Greatest Love Songs Ever: #6 “At Last”
By Tom Quiner, Board President, Pulse Life Advocates
“At Last” sucks you into a world of passion with the first notes. Try to stop listening after you hear Etta James’ earthy vocals cry out:
“At last,
My love has come along,
Oh, and my lonely days, they’re over
And life is like a song.”
You can’t stop. Ms. James was born to sing this song. She was four years old when Harry Warren (“I Only Have Eyes for You”) and Mack Gordon wrote this song in 1942. And a whole bunch of people sang it before and after Etta recorded the essential version of “At Last” in 1961.
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Her version is so good, that to this day it is one of the most popular first wedding dance songs around. A wedding website, Function Central, lists it as the #1 first wedding dance song for 2025. Here’s what they say:
“Uplifting and elegant, At Last is an extraordinary paean to love that will be on this list for years to come. Etta James’s gospel-tinged vocals are the perfect vehicle for the song’s message: a final deliverance from loneliness. Expect more than a few tears.”
Professional wedding DJs consistently list it in the top ten, says The Knot who conducted the survey.
James’ version features a lush arrangement by Riley Hampton which adds to the song’s beauty. But it is the sheer power and soulfulness of her voice that rivets it in our hearts forever.
Beyoncé sings “At Last”
Interestingly, Etta James was portrayed by Beyoncé in the movie, “Cadillac Records,” in which she sang “At Last” (above). James was not happy when she heard that president-elect, Barack Obama, invited Beyoncé to sing the song at his 2008 inaugural ball for his first dance with Michelle Obama. Said James:
“I can’t stand Beyoncé.”
Etta didn’t mind her portrayal in Cadillac Records, but thought she was getting too big for her britches singing HER (Etta’s song) at the inauguration:
“She has no business up there, on a big ol’ president day, singing my song. [She’s] gonna get her ass whupped.”
Beyoncé has a lovely voice, but Etta’s version is simply unbeatable. Which leads us back to the song itself.
The lyrics and music seamlessly become a single entity, much like two become one in a marriage, to proclaim the meaning of life, which is to love. We can’t find fulfillment in wealth and fame. It is only love that can do that. So on that day when love arrives, our heart has a simple response: “at last.” A song this beautiful has sparked different interpretations, such as Joni Mitchell’s 2000 cover of the song.
Joni Mitchell sings “At Last”
Our countdown of the 52 Greatest Love Songs is almost over. Next week leads us to a countdown of the five greatest love songs with one of the few songs on this list co-written by a woman. Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, and Carol King are the only other women that made my list.
Next week’s song is sophisticated, cool, and vibrant with lyrics by an under-appreciated female talent. In the meantime, can you do the following?
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Thank-you, and Happy New Year! Remember, love is the antidote to abortion.
